Environment & Energy news

Seoul’s Particle Density in 2012 Records Lowest Level

The average particle density in Seoul (41㎍/㎥) was reported to have recorded the lowest level in 2012 since the observation was started in 1995 (78㎍/㎥). The level stood at 61㎍/㎥ in 2007.

○ Particle density: 78㎍/㎥ (1995) → 61㎍/㎥ (2007) → 41㎍/㎥ (2012)

○ Good visual range (20km or more): 76 days (2007) → 274 days (2012)

○ Good air quality (30㎍/㎥ or less): 66 days (2007) → 130 days (2012)

○ Poor air quality (more than 100㎍/㎥): 49 days (2007) → 5 days (2012)

Seoul Metropolitan Government disclosed the air quality assessment report for 2012 on July 23 together with the details on the homepage for air quality information (http://cleanair.seoul.go.kr). Said report, which is drawn up annually based on the relevant data released by the Seoul Metropolitan Government-run Research Institute of Public Health and Environment, has been kept at the National Archives & Records Service (NARS) and the Seoul Metropolitan Library.

Seoul Metropolitan Government has continued to make efforts to improve overall air quality through the following methods: absorption of dust particles occurring on roads; road washing; management of flying dust particles occurring in construction sites; adoption of low-polluting diesel vehicle, and; adoption of buses and road cleaning vehicles using compressed natural gas (CNG) as fuel.

Regarding the detection of high level (27%) of nitrogen oxide in buildings, Seoul Metropolitan Government encourages buildings to use low-nitrogen oxide burners to reduce nitrogen dioxide emissions. It has recommended to the Ministry of Environment the adoption of criteria for nitrogen dioxide emissions for household boilers as a fundamental step.

Other measures to be taken by Seoul Metropolitan Government include the installation of a device for the reduction of dust particles and nitrogen oxide on large cargo trucks and commuter buses and replacement of dilapidated engines of construction equipment (1,150 units by 2014, etc.).